Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said today that a deadlock in power-sharing talks with President Robert Mugabe could be overcome.
Mr Tsvangirai said he hoped to meet Mugabe to end the stalemate in the next few days.
"I'm sure there are no problems in the outline of the agreement that are not surmountable," Mr Tsvangirai told a news conference in Harare. "If there are political problems, that's why we have a leadership forum to resolve those issues."
A deadlock over the allocation of cabinet posts has dimmed hopes that a power-sharing deal between Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai would bring a quick solution to Zimbabwe's economic and political crisis.
"Our negotiators are dealing with the issue," he said, referring to the cabinet positions. "This matter will be resolved. I hope we will meet as principals, within a couple of days."
Mr Tsvangirai also called for the urgent formation of a power-sharing government to end an economic crisis that has caused food and fuel shortages as well as hyperinflation and widespread poverty and unemployment.
Mr Tsvangirai, who is set to become prime minister under a power-sharing pact brokered by South Africa's Thabo Mbeki, said the Zimbabwe negotiating parties still respected Mbeki's mediation despite his resignation as president this week.
Mr Mugabe has been in New York this week, where he used a fiery speech at the United Nations to urge the lifting of what he called "illegal" santions on his country.
Reuters